Each year Duke Energy will select up to 11 schools to receive fully installed PV systems. Selection is competitive with priority given to EHPA-designated schools; however, all public schools that are current Duke Energy customers may submit an application. Refer to the Apply tab for a list of Key Dates for 2015.

K-12 public schools

Up to 10 schools each year can receive a system of up to 10 kW with battery backup option.

Selection will favor schools that demonstrate a commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy education.

Public post-secondary schools

One school each year can receive a system of up to 100 kW.

Selection will be based on attendance, energy consumption, energy education plans and other criteria.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible to receive a PV system through the SunSense schools program, schools must:

Be a public educational facility.

Be a current Duke Energy customer with a metered account.

Have an appropriate site available at the school for a ground-mounted PV system and must have facilities that meet the requirements for the interconnection of the PV system to the Duke Energy power system.

Among K-12 schools, priority will be given to schools designated as Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area (EHPA) shelters. Based on Florida statutes, EPHA shelters are determined by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Selection CriteriaApplications will be evaluated and scores awarded using the following key categories:

Post-secondary schools will be selected based on criteria such as attendance, energy consumption on main campus and plans to use the solar array as an educational and research tool.

Energy education at schools with solar PV systems

The solar PV systems are installed at selected schools with the goal of enhancing understanding and awareness of renewable energy among students, faculty and school administration.

Hands-on learning using the included data collection systems will provide the selected schools with the opportunity to become the centerpiece of a strong focus on renewable energy and energy-efficiency that can be expanded into the community.

Energy education at K-12 schools

Schools in the Duke Energy service area that are not eligible or selected to receive solar PV systems can still benefit from the SunSense schools program. By using educational materials available through the program you’ll have access to:

Classroom materials that support hands-on learning

Curriculum aligned with Sunshine state standards

Teacher training to help you include energy efficiency and renewable energy in the classroom.

Educators: If you’d like to participate in the energy education program, email us at sunsenseschools@duke-energy.com. Please include information about your school and about the type of educational support that you would find most useful.

Community funding for energy education

Duke Energy residential customers can help fund energy education in their community schools by enrolling in the SunSense Schools Residential program when they sign up for our EnergyWise HomeSM program.

Phase 3

Phase 4

* Duke Energy reserves the right to extend these deadlines if deemed necessary.

Application forms and instructions

To enter your school for the opportunity to receive a free PV system, complete the application.

Application

Review the entire application to see what information is needed.

Gather all required information. (All fields marked with an asterisk are required information.)

Review your selections and answers and ensure that your application is complete.

Print your completed application and keep a copy for your records.

Submit the Phase 1 application to Duke Energy by 5 p.m. Mar. 31, 2015, by emailing sections 1-6 to SunSenseSchools@duke-energy.com. After we receive your application you'll receive a confirmation email to the address you provide in the "submitter's email" field.

Selection

Duke Energy will notify you by Apr. 3, 2015, if your school is selected as a top candidate. You'll then have until Apr. 17, 2015, to complete section 7, the site assessment.

We will notify all finalists in May and conduct an on-site evaluation by June.

We'll notify the winning schools in July and install the PV system during the summer and fall of 2015.

What is the deadline for schools to submit an application for the 2015 selection process?All Phase 1 applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Mar. 31, 2015.

Are all schools eligible to receive a solar PV system?No, only public schools that are currently customers of Duke Energy in good standing and that meet other eligibility requirements are eligible to receive a solar energy system. Priority will be given to schools designated as Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area (EHPA) shelters.

Are all Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area (EHPA) shelters eligible for the solar PV system?No, only EHPA shelters that are public schools in Duke Energy service territory are eligible.

How are schools selected?After the Phase 1 applications are received, a review team will score the applications based on the school's responses provided on the application. Point values associated with each response will be totaled to provide a score and ranking.

Weighted criteria for "Phase 1: Sections 1-6" include:

40% – Commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy education

20% – Geographic location

20% – Number of students

20% – Shelter capacity

The schools receiving the highest scores from the Phase 1 review will be asked to complete and submit "Section 7: Site Assessment" of the application for Phase 2 review.

The Phase 2 applications will be reviewed and evaluated to select the schools with sites that best meet the criteria for solar installation.

Phase 3: The highest ranked schools from Phase 2 will receive an on-site inspection to verify the applicability of the site for the proposed installation.

Final winners will be announced after all site visits are completed.

Is there a cost involved if our school is selected, or are all of the expenses covered?The initial system and installation is fully funded by the SunSense Schools Program. The school will assume all ongoing operations and maintenance responsibility.

Are post-secondary schools eligible to participate?Yes, public post-secondary schools can apply to receive a solar PV system of up to 100 kW by following the application process.

I heard that there was a maximum of one PV system to be installed/awarded per county. Is that true?No. The program will attempt to provide a broad geographic distribution of the PV systems at schools with emergency shelters throughout Duke Energy's service area but there are no limits or quotas by county.

How will the PV system be installed on my school and how much space will it take up?The PV will be ground-mounted installations. A ground-mount installation installs the photovoltaic array as a freestanding structure placed on the ground usually near a building. This type of installation requires 2000 sq-ft of unobstructed (horizon to horizon) ground space.

The battery system will also be in an outdoor enclosure, which requires some pad-mounted equipment on the ground.

Can supporting photos and attachments to the school application be transmitted electronically or do they have to be sent via postal service?Applications, and any attachments, will only be accepted electronically using the designated email: SunSenseSchools@duke-energy.com. Be sure to put the school name in the subject line. Please do not send applications or photos via the postal service.